Labour promises driving, budgeting lessons for high school students

Every school leaver will be given driving lessons, civics education and practical budgeting skills under a Labour government.

Every student will be given a personalised career plan, at a cost of $30 million a year. "Seventy-percent of those entry level jobs require a driver licence and we know there have been groups in the past that have been pushing for something like this to try stop our young people from being criminalised for not having the right licence when they are driving".

It will be funded from the $4 billion Labour has set aside for education.

She says financial decisions can have a huge effect on young people's lives and wise use of money can dramatically improve the quality of life and ability to support their family.

Financial literacy and budgeting courses will be available in all secondary schools so kids can learn about tenancy agreements, credit cards and KiwiSaver.

"I fundamentally believe in free education - I think its benefits everyone in New Zealand", she said.

In the 2014 general election, just 62% of 18 to 24-year-olds voted - for young Maori, the voting rate was only 55%.